Why do a postgraduate research degree?

Undertaking a research degree requires a huge amount of commitment, determination and passion for your subject, but there is little doubt that the benefits on completion are numerous. Here’s just a few reasons why you should consider a research degree at Swansea:

1. Enhanced skills and employability

The skills and qualities you develop throughout your studies will enhance your CV and get you noticed in a competitive graduate employment market.

With relatively few graduates opting to study for a research degree, an advanced level qualification will help you stand out from the crowd, as well as developing your transferable skills in:

Communication and teamwork

Project management

Data analysis

Advanced IT

Problem solving

Independent thinking

Critical thinking

Organisation

Time management

All of Swansea’s research degrees will provide you with an internationally recognised qualification which employers in all industries will recognise and reward.

Holding a research qualification makes you more likely to secure a job and attract a higher salary, meaning you can be confident of getting a return on your investment in your postgraduate education.

2. Prepare for an academic or research career

If you wish to pursue a career in academic research, a doctorate will be essential in giving you the required skills, experience and qualification(s).

For careers in research outside academia, a research degree is preferred as you will have both the theoretical grounding and practical experience required by research institutions and industries.

3. Programme flexibility

A research programme is ideal if you’re looking to undertake study in a particular topic that you are passionate about, or crave the freedom to choose what and how you study.

Research degrees give you the opportunity to pursue a specialist area of interest, allowing you to shape the topic of your studies in a unique and distinctive way.

As long as we have the academic expertise to advise you and guide your studies, you are free to choose your own study topic, planning and carrying out research from the very beginning.

With no timetabled lectures or seminars to attend, you’ll have the flexibility to carry out independent study and choose when and where you study.

4. Intellectual reward

A research degree puts you in the driving seat to steer the direction of your studies. From identifying the research problem and selecting the appropriate research methodology, to carrying out the research, analysing and writing up the results, you will manage your own research project and have the freedom to explore new avenues as they arise.

As a result, you will be rewarded with an intellectually stimulating programme which gives you the chance to add to the body of knowledge in your subject area and to publish your results.

You will have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading academics and become an expert in your own right. Your final leather-bound thesis will continue to be a source of tremendous pride for many years after you complete your studies.